10 Android phones you should consider for Verizon (December 2015)
It’s the holiday shopping season and discounts and promos are in full swing. If you’re like a lot of consumers, now is the time to consider a smartphone upgrade. Buying a new device can be a fun endeavor, especially if you’ve got previous experience. For some, however, the thought of selecting a new handset may trigger some trepidation.
Which is the newest phone? What is the best phone? Which is the one that’s going to give me exactly what I need? We’re here to help you dig through the clutter.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for Verizon this December. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for Verizon if you’re currently shopping around.
Droid Turbo 2
As the first phone to feature a shatterproof display, much can be said about the new Droid Turbo 2. Not only does this one give you peace of mind in knowing that it can fall out of your pocket or desk without shattering, the phone also features some pretty impressive hardware.
Powered by Android 5.1 Lollipop, the Turbo 2 features a 5.4-inch display at 2560×1440 resolution and a 21-megapixel camera. Quick charging ensures that the phone never runs low on juice; moreover, the 3760mAh battery gets you two days of use. In other words it’s built to be used and somewhat abused.
In a first for the Droid series, buyers can head to the Moto Maker tool to design their own unique version of the phone. There are more than 1,000 combinations of colors and materials to choose from.
Motorola Droid Turbo 2 at Verizon
Customized Droid Turbo 2 at Verizon
LG V10
The newest phone of the bunch, this LG features two displays. Indeed, there is the 5.7-inch quad HD screen which looks gorgeous on its own. However, up at the top you will find a small secondary display which offers quick access to favourite contacts, apps, media player buttons , or an at-a-glance view of your schedule.
But, as if that were not enough, you will also find 64 gigabytes of internal storage with a microSD card that allows for another 200GB of space. The removable 3,000mAh battery is more than enough to get you a day or two of life. The rear offers up a 16-megapixel camera while the front houses a pair of 5-megapixel shooters. One works for close-ups while the other has a wide angle lens for group shots.
Motorola Droid Maxx 2
Another relative newbie, this Motorola packs a 5.5-inch 1080p HD display, 21-megapixel rear camera, and 16GB internal storage. Toss in the 3630mAh battery with Turbo Charging and you’ve got a device that should never run low on power. Other specifications include Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, microSD expansion card slot for more storage, and a water-repellent coating.
Motorola Droid Maxx 2 at Verizon
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
The fifth generation of Samsung’s plus-sized smartphone experience boasts a gorgeous metal and glass design. The S Pen digital stylus is smarter than ever and works without even powering on the display. Up from previous models, storage options are now 32GB and 64GB. The battery, which comes in at a commendable 3000mAh capacity, allows for fast charging, wireless charging, and even fast wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Verizon
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S6
Announced in the spring, it’s hard to beat the annual Samsung flagship smartphone. The 5.1-inch Quad HD screen is a stunner and feels oh-so-right in our hands and the premium design includes glass and metal. It’s the first Galaxy S model we’ve wanted to coddle and protect in a long time. It doesn’t hurt that it runs Android 5.0 Lollipop (with an expected 6.0 update), comes with at least 32GB storage, and has 3GB RAM to boost performance.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
An almost identical sibling to the aforementioned Galaxy Note 5, this one trades out the stylus for the dual curved display. If you don’t need to jot down notes or mark up documents, consider grabbing the more sexy counterpart.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ at Verizon
LG G4
LG continues to impress with a steady stream of flagship models that demand attention. We long ago fell in love with the rear button layout and this year’s version has one of the best camera experiences we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The specs are top-notch and the screen is a real looker.
Google Nexus 6
Running an untouched version of Android Lollipop, the Nexus 6 is among the first to receive an update to the 6.0 Marshmallow build. The 6-inch screen might be a little bigger than you’re familiar with but the reviews and feedback have been solid. Internal storage is tapped at 32GB with no microSD expansion card slot but it should be enough for those who live in the cloud.
HTC One M9
The lone HTC model here is also one of the oldest flagship models to make this list. Don’t let that concern you, though, it’s still a kick-ass phone with a great build. The 5-inch screen looks great and fits well in the hand while the 20-megapixel camera snaps excellent photos. The microSD card keeps media lovers content with room for up to 200GB of external storage.
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation)
As an ancestor to the Droid Turbo 2 and Droid Maxx 2, the Moto X (2nd Generation) doesn’t have a ton of Verizon customization. In other words, it’s closer to a stock Android experience than most other phones with only a few added touches. We love what Motorola adds to the user interface: twist to open camera, chop to activate flashlight, and voice actions. Pick yours up in Black, White Bamboo, or Football Leather.
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at Verizon
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at Amazon
The post 10 Android phones you should consider for Verizon (December 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
10 Android phones you should consider for AT&T (December 2015)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – to buy a smartphone. With Black Friday behind us and the holiday shopping season off and running, it’s the time of year where many consider a new handset. If you’re a seasoned smartphone owner, picking out an upgrade is a simple process. But, for some folks, the idea of purchasing a new handset generates a touch of anxiety.
Which is the newest phone? What is the best phone? Which is the one that’s going to give me exactly what I need? We’re here to help you dig through the clutter.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for AT&T this December. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for AT&T if you’re currently contemplating a new device.
LG G Flex 2
Introduced early in the year, this phone was among the first to boast a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. It’s powerful enough to contend with most Androids and features a 13-megapixel rear camera with laser focus and optical image stabilization. What it also offers, is a self-healing protective coating, which means your keys and general wear won’t ruin the finish. Also, the phone is curved in multiple ways and allows for one of the most comfortable experiences around.
LG V10
The newest phone of the bunch, this LG features two displays. Indeed, there is the 5.7-inch quad HD screen which looks gorgeous on its own. However, up at the top you will find a small secondary display which offers quick access to favourite contacts, apps, media player buttons , or an at-a-glance view of your schedule.
But, as if that were not enough, you will also find 64 gigabytes of internal storage with a microSD card that allows for another 200GB of space. The removable 3,000mAh battery is more than enough to get you a day or two of life. The rear offers up a 16-megapixel camera while the front houses a pair of 5-megapixel shooters. One works for close-ups while the other has a wide angle lens for group shots.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
The fifth generation of Samsung’s plus-sized smartphone experience boasts a gorgeous metal and glass design. The S Pen digital stylus is smarter than ever and works without even powering on the display. Up from previous models, storage options are now 32GB and 64GB. The battery, which comes in at a commendable 3000mAh capacity, allows for fast charging, wireless charging, and even fast wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
An almost identical sibling to the aforementioned Galaxy Note 5, this one trades out the stylus for the dual curved display. If you don’t need to jot down notes or mark up documents, consider grabbing the more sexy counterpart.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ at AT&T
BlackBerry Priv
The newest of the bunch, this is also the first BlackBerry handset to run Android out of the box. Not only is this one big and powerful, but it’s also extra secure, too. Standout features include an 19-megapixel rear camera and 3410mAh battery. Oh, and did we mention the Priv also has a physical keyboard? Indeed, tucked under the gorgeous 5.4-inch curved display is a 4-row QWERTY keyboard. Blast through emails and messages without breaking a sweat. It’s 2015 and once again it’s cool to own a BlackBerry.
Samsung Galaxy S6
Announced in the spring, it’s hard to beat the annual Samsung flagship smartphone. The 5.1-inch Quad HD screen is a stunner and feels oh-so-right in our hands and the premium design includes glass and metal. It’s the first Galaxy S model we’ve wanted to coddle and protect in a long time. It doesn’t hurt that it runs Android 5.0 Lollipop (with an expected 6.0 update), comes with at least 32GB storage, and has 3GB RAM to boost performance.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active
Take the 2015 flagship smartphone and add in water and dust resistance with shock resistance and you end up with the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active. Still present are the 5.1-inch display, 16-megapixel camera, and octa-core processor; however, the device greatly benefits with the addition of a 3500mAh battery. In short, this is a tremendous phone that’s built to last all day and can take just about anything you will throw its way.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active at AT&T
LG G4
LG continues to impress with a steady stream of flagship models that demand attention. We long ago fell in love with the rear button layout and this year’s version has one of the best camera experiences we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The specs are top-notch and the screen is a real looker.
HTC One A9
As the only HTC model on this list, we’re big fans of the new design cues and direction. It’s not necessarily a powerful smartphone, but it’s more than enough for first time buyers with plenty left over. It’s the first non-Nexus handset to run Android 6.0 Marshmallow and enjoys features such as Doze, Android Pay, and Android on Tap. For the first time in a few years we are excited about HTC again and can’t recommend this phone enough for its target demographic. The 5-inch screen feels terrific in hand and the fingerprint scanner is highly responsive. Check out our review of the HTC One A9.
HTC One A9 (unlocked) at Amazon
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation)
The Moto X (2nd Generation) doesn’t have a ton of AT&T customization which means it’s closer to a stock Android experience than most other phones. What is added by Motorola, however, is worth it and only adds to the phone’s value. It’s a little over a year old now, sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your attention. If you’re looking for a great Android handset that won’t break the bank, you’ll be wise to consider this one.
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at AT&T
The post 10 Android phones you should consider for AT&T (December 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
[Deal] Get the HTC One M9 for 40% off and the RE Camera for 60% off
For those of you looking for a great new phone, you might want to check out the HTC One M9. Although the HTC One M9 didn’t receive the best criticism, since it was too similar to the One M8, it’s hard to beat the current Cyber Monday price of only $390.
HTC is currently having a promotion that will take 40% off the price of the One M9 and 60% off the RE Camera making it only $80. They are also offering free shipping. If you have been thinking about trying the Re Camera out, but not wanting to pay the normal $200 price, now is a great time to pick one up.
The HTC One M9 comes in silver, black, gold, or pink, and the HTC Re Camera comes in white, orange, blue, or green. However, hurry, it is only while supplies last. The green Re Camera is already sold out.
[HTC]
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Get the HTC One M9 for 40% off and the RE Camera for 60% off
Android Authority this week – November 29, 2015
Android fans, this week Xiaomi launched a metal-made smartphone for just $140; Huawei introduced its newest phablet flagship, the Mate8; we saw some great Black Friday deals; LG launched a new mid-ranger and revealed some of its plans for the future; the Fossil Q Android Wear smartwatch arrived to the market; and HTC launched its consumer preview program.
Inside AA HQ
Except for the Black Friday craziness, this week has been pretty quiet around AA HQ (and the entire tech scene), with our US team getting some well-deserved time off for Thanksgiving.
According to statistics, most people actually spend the most money on Cyber Monday (i.e. tomorrow). You can bet we’ll have roundups of all the best tech deals, so if you missed Black Friday, keep it tuned tomorrow for a shot at some great deals. Looking for gift ideas? Our Best Gifts under $100 guide has gone live this week.
This week we’re putting up for grabs three Blu Life One X smartphones in our international giveaway! Head over here for your shot at the prize.
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- For developers: Do you want to make some money off your app developing skills? Here are some pitfalls to avoid
- Gift guide: Holidays are coming! Here are the best tech gifts under $100
- Review: The most stylish Pebble watch yet – Josh reviews the Pebble Time Round
- Comparison: Note 5 or iPhone 6S Plus? Big phone showdown!
- Review: The Priv is definitely unique, but just how good is it?
- Comparison: Battle of the Minis: Gary compares the OnePlus X, Xperia Z5 Compact and Moto G
- Review: A full-blown computer the size of a highlighter? Edgar looks at the Asus Chromebit
Top news of the week
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and new Mi Pad
- Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 announced – here are the details
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 launched: full metal body, fingerprint sensor, starting from $140
- Analyst expects Xiaomi Mi 5 in January, Lei Jun already using the phone
Huawei Mate 8 launched
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- Amazon announces its Cyber Monday promo: 8 more days of deals
- Black Friday 2015 – best deals
- (Updated: Moto G 2014 for $99) Amazon deals: Nexus 6 for just $200, Nexus 5X $80 off, and more!
- Google Store deals: Nexus 9 $200 off, 2 Chromecasts for $50, Huawei Watch $80 off and more
Fossil Q
LG Ray
HTC Consumer Preview
LG’s future
- LG restructures to focus on key business areas and growth
- Report: LG Electronics working on its second mobile processor
- LG announces substantial investment in next gen OLED production
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Incredible last minute Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Nexus 6 just $199.99
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and enjoyed a feast. I also hope you had a safe holiday.
Now for a few more deals we have for you as more and more deals keep rolling in. Check out the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals below.
Motorola Nexus 6 Unlocked Cellphone, 32GB, Midnight Blue – LINK ($199.99)
Nexus 6 64GB – LINK
Deal is good for Black Friday only.
- More space to explore – A bigger phone with more everything
- Brilliant 6″ screen and dual front-facing stereo speakers make content shine
- Go longer and charge less with 3220 mash battery and turbo charging
- Get the most out of Android 5.0 Lollipop (compatible with Android Marshmallow 6.0
HTC Google Nexus 9 Android 6.0 – LINK (starting at $239.40)
Black Friday deal only.
Designed for work and play, the Nexus 9 features a just-right 8.9” screen with front-facing speakers for rich music and audio. 64-bit processor drives productivity and play to new levels, with intuitive voice commands and automatic Android updates that keep you on the cutting edge. Total device integration makes it mobile and access to over a million apps makes it amazing. Meet Nexus 9: For movers and makers.
Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition Over-Ear Headphones ($94.99) – LINK
Deal is good for Black Friday only.
- Premium, audiophile-grade over-ear, open back headphones
- Padded leatherette headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads perfect for long listening sessions
- Compatible with virtually every audio device including phones, tablets, computers and stereo components
- Two cable options (3 meters and 1.2 meters) included along with 3.5mm adapter plu
LG Google Nexus 5X 16GB Smartphone ($299.00) – LINK
Deal is good for through Nov. 30.
Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation and $50 Amazon.com Gift Card – LINK
- $50 Amazon.com Gift Card included in the bundle
- Auto-Schedule. No more programming. With auto-schedule, Nest learns from you and programs itself
- Auto-Away. Don’t heat or cool an empty home. Auto-away adjusts the temperature after you leave
- Remote control. With the Nest app, you can change the temperature, check energy history and get an alert if your home is too hot or cold
Fire, 7″ Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB – LINK ($34.99)
- Beautiful 7″ IPS display (171 ppi / 1024 x 600) and fast 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. Rear and front-facing cameras.
- All-new Amazon Underground, a one-of-a-kind app store experience where over $10,000 in apps, games and even in-app items are actually free – including extra lives, unlocked levels, unlimited add-on packs and more
- Enjoy more than 38 million movies, TV shows, songs, books, apps and games
- 8 GB of internal storage. Free unlimited cloud storage for all Amazon content and photos taken with Fire devices. Add a microSD card for up to 128 GB of additional storage.
- Updated user interface – Fire OS 5 designed for quick access to your apps and content plus personalized recommendations that make it easy to discover new favorites
- Up to 7 hours of reading, surfing the web, watching videos, and listening to music
Three months of Spotify Premium music streaming service for 99 cents – LINK
Now through Jan. 2 2015. New customers only.
1byone Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna – LINK
Promo price: $19.99 (Savings of $30)
Start Date: 11/29/2015 9:00 AM – End Date: 12/05/2015 9:00 AM
1byone Belt-Drive 3 Speed Stereo Portable Turntable with Built in Speakers – LINK
Apply coupon code VMYCB8F3 at checkout for a savings of $10.
Start Date: 11/26/2015 00:01 AM – End Date: 12/02/2015 23:59 PM
1byone OUS00-0562 Amplified HDTV Antenna 50 Miles Range – LINK
Enter coupon code JPKVJ85T at checkout for a $10 savings.
Start Date: 11/26/2015 8:00am – End Date: 12/3/2015 11:59pm
Vantrue R1 Pro Dash Cam – LINK
Save $26 with coupon code VANTRUE1. From Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
- Built with Ambarella A7L50 + OV4689 Lens solution. 2K (2560*1080@30fps / 2304*1296P@30fps) Super HD recording with HDR greatly enhancing the image quality, clearly shows license plates and street signs when playback. 170-Deg. viewing angle presents a wide field of view. Noise reduction microphone and speaker built in, allows a clear review of the sound.
- Auto recording after powered provides a convenient use; seamless loop recording plus the G-sensor detecting any impact and auto locking the important video segments, you will never miss an important moment.
- 2.7″ TFT LCD display supports video and image playback, and offers an easy setup convenience. Support a timeout function that turns the display off after the recording begins so you won’t be disturbed by another glowing rectangle on your windshield.
Solove Titan 20000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank – Save $15 in all colors
Deal good from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Full review here.
Gray and Silver – LINK – Apply discount code SOLVEBLC at checkout.
Green and Gold – LINK – Apply discount code SOLVETHX at checkout.
HAVIT Bluetooth 4.1 Portable Wireless Sports Bluetooth Headset – LINK
10% off code androidg from now until 12/30/2015
Deal applies to 7.1 surround sound headset as well – LINK
Vantrue PowerUp C1 Quick Charge 2.0 18W USB Car Charger – LINK
$5.99 (save $4) + Free shipping – Code: VANTRUE3
Deal is good from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
The post Incredible last minute Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Nexus 6 just $199.99 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Black Friday deals: here are the UK’s best
It’s that time of the year again. Black Friday has finally arrived, bringing with it a near-endless stream of deals and discounts for you to consider. If you’ve decided to stay at home and avoid the chaos outside — we don’t blame you, it gets pretty crazy out there — we’ve rounded up the best price-drops from across the internet. If you spot anything that we might have missed, drop us a note in the comments below and we’ll add it to our list as soon as possible. These deals are targeted at Brits mind you (US deals can be found here), so we’re avoiding anything that forces you to pay in a currency that isn’t Sterling.
HTC unveils its consumer Preview program: wants early product feedback
HTC has been having a pretty tough year and appears to be turning to us, the consumer, for tips and feedback on its upcoming products, which might just help to turn things back around. During a Reddit AMA, HTC announced its new Preview program and is currently accepting registrations from its fans.
HTC is looking for early feedback on its software and successful applicants might even be invited to take part in hardware trials before products are released to the majority of consumers. However, HTC says that this isn’t a guaranteed way to get early hands on with new hardware and shouldn’t be viewed as a faster software upgrade path either. HTC states that it is looking for responsible participants, as the signing of NDAs is required.
“What do I, as a user, get in exchange for helping you with this preview program?
Aside from getting a new free smartphone to play with for the duration of the trial, you can also get a taste of the latest and greatest HW & SW while the rest of the general public is patiently waiting for a leak or rumor.”
HTC’s latest handset: HTC One A9 review
Reading further through some of the AMA responses, it seems that another aspect of the HTC Preview program will be about collecting information on device usage. Statistics on app usage times, battery information and even network quality look to be of interest. HTC can then see how consumers use their devices in order to make better product decisions.
“What data is collected by HTC as part of this program?
Logs are running in the background and collect data on network/signal strength, battery information, usage times, apps used. We do not collect personal data (such as passwords, account information, text messages, MMS, emails, call logs unless authorized by you).”
Furthermore, applicants must have an active account with one of the four major carriers in the US, that’s T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T and Verizon. If you’re interested, you can sign up at this link: https://preview.htc.com
HTC also mentioned that the program will eventually expand to additional carriers and that the company is looking to bring EU and Asian consumers into the program in the future.
So, who’s signing up?
HTC launches the HTC Preview program to give people an early look at devices and software updates
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HTC is struggling – let’s be honest, it’s not completely their fault (falling profit margins for all manufacturers not named Apple can’t be helping) but some of their more recent decisions haven’t exactly helped. Something that HTC hopes will help turn things around is its freshly announced HTC Preview program which will give HTC fans and interested parties a look at HTC devices and software updates before they are released. Note that signing up for HTC Preview doesn’t automatically make you eligible for a top-secret HTC device or software update, but presumably your eligibility has quite a lot to do with how you actually use your device, if the application questionnaire is anything to go by.
Naturally, to take part in the HTC Preview program, you’ll need to sign an NDA, so you know it’s serious, and HTC requires you to use whatever you get as a daily driver so that you can provide useful feedback. To be a part of HTC Preview, you’ll need to sign up and be in one of the US, Europe, or Asia. It’s a nice idea, thought HTC’s early access programs haven’t always gone to plan with plenty of leaked information prevalent for previous devices – let’s hope this time is different.
What do you think about HTC Preview? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: HTC via Android Police
The post HTC launches the HTC Preview program to give people an early look at devices and software updates appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
HTC kicks off new Preview Program
Earlier this evening, HTC launched a brand new Preview Program during an AMA session on Reddit in order to get feedback on devices and software from consumers before they hit the shelves. This will help the company smooth out any bugs and build a quality handset.
Signing up takes just five minutes and requires you to tell HTC what your current device is, how you use it on a daily basis and why you chose it.
Source: Preview Program
Come comment on this article: HTC kicks off new Preview Program
HTC One A9 announced for India markets, pricing and availability still unknown
HTC today at a press conference in New Delhi, India announced the launch of the One A9 in the region. The Taiwanese-based company originally announced its latest flagship device in late October, and unfortunately, hasn’t been impressing financial analysts.
As a quick refresher, here’s what the One A9 has in tow:
- Snapdragon 617 Octa-core CPU
- 5-inch Super AMOLED 1080p display
- Gorilla Glass 4
- 3GB of RAM
- 16/32GB of internal storage
- microSD support
- 13-megapixel rear camera with OIS
- Front 4MP UltraPixel camera
- HTC BoomSound
- 2,150mAh battery
- Android 6.0
HTC oddly didn’t offer any details on pricing or specifics on availability in India, but the company did indicate that there was a two-week deadline. That said, consumers in the region could see the device up for sale very soon.
The One A9 (review here) is the first device outside of the Nexus lineup to have Android 6.0 right out of the box, and it’s also one of the few handsets said to get incredibly quick updates.
Come comment on this article: HTC One A9 announced for India markets, pricing and availability still unknown
AIVAnet 
